court; and those who had resolution enough
to give evidence in her behalf, ran the risk of assassination from the
vulgar that surrounded the place. On this occasion, sir Crisp Gascoyne,
lord-mayor of London, behaved with that laudable courage and humanity
which ought ever to distinguish the chief magistrate of such a
metropolis. Considering the improbability of the charge, the heat,
partiality, and blind enthusiasm with which it was prosecuted, and being
convinced of the old woman's innocence by a great number of affidavits,
voluntarily sent up from the country by persons of unquestionable
credit, he, in conjunction with some other worthy citizens, resolved
to oppose the torrent of vulgar prejudice. Application was made to
the throne for mercy; the case was referred to the attorney and
solicitor-general, who, having examined the evidences on both sides,
made their report in favour of Squires to the king and council; and this
poor old creature was indulged with his majesty's pardon. This affair
was now swelled up into such a faction as divided the greater part of
the kingdom, including the rich as well as the poor, the high as well
as the humble. Pamphlets and pasquinades were published on both sides
of the dispute, which became the general topic of conversation in all
assemblies, and people of all ranks espoused one or other party with
as much warmth and animosity as had ever inflamed the whigs and tories,
even at the most rancorous period of their opposition. Subscriptions
were opened, and large sums levied, on one side, to prosecute for
perjury the persons on whose evidence the pardon had been granted.
On the other hand, those who had interested themselves for the gipsey
resolved to support her witnesses, and, if possible, detect the
imposture of Canning. Bills of perjury were preferred on both sides.
The evidences for Squires were tried and acquitted; at first Canning
absconded; but afterwards surrendered to take her trial, and being,
after a long hearing, found guilty, was transported to the British
colonies. The zeal of her friends, however, seemed to be inflamed by her
conviction; and those who carried on the prosecution against her were
insulted, even to the danger of their lives. They supplied her with
necessaries of all sorts, paid for her transportation in a private
ship, where she enjoyed all the comforts and conveniences that could be
afforded in that situation, and furnished her with such recommendations
as